Page 59 of Captured Love

“It was. I almost wish I didn’t have to take photos. Think you’ll come to a game?”

I think about the fact that Knox asked if I would only a day or so ago. “We’ll see,” I say with a noncommittal shrug. “I’m still learning the rules.”

Isla laughs. “You don’t need to know the rules to enjoy watching a bunch of hot guys skate around.”

She has a point. “True.”

“Speaking of hot guys that are not named Asher,” she says, leaning in closer. “Where’s Knox?”

“You haven’t seen him? I assumed that he was around here somewhere. In that same vein, where is Asher?”

“He went to the kitchen…” She moves so she’s about to look down the hall. “Ah. I’ve found both of our guys.”

I want to remind my best friend that he’s not my boyfriend, but I know it’s no use. Instead, I follow Isla’s gaze down the hallway. Sure enough, there’s Asher, towering over the crowd with his usual easygoing grin. Next to him is Knox, casually leaning against the counter with a beer in his hand. He says something that makes Asher laugh.

“Come on,” Isla says, nudging me lightly. “Let’s go join them.”

I hesitate for a moment, but Isla's already taking my hand and we’re walking. As we near the kitchen, the music isn’t as loud, allowing me to catch bits and pieces of what Asher is saying. Knox listens with a smirk.

“Asher!” Isla calls out, and he looks over, his eyes lighting up when he sees her. He reaches down to scoop her into a hug, lifting her off the ground briefly, causing the drink in her hand to slosh over the rim.

“Hey, sunshine,” he says, planting a kiss on her forehead.

Knox’s eyes meet mine, and for a split second, I see something like relief wash over his face. “Selene,” he says, pushing off the counter and walking toward me. “You made it.”

“Of course,” I say, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. He leans in and I think he’s going to kiss me, but he stops short, perhaps reading my uncertainty. Instead, he brushes a strand of hair from my face with a tenderness that catches me off guard.

“Do you want a drink?” he asks.

“Sure.”

He turns to open a cooler filled with ice and assorted bottles. I take the moment to observe him; there’s something different in the way he’s carrying himself tonight. More relaxed, maybe even happier. He hands me a bottle of hard cider and clinks his lightly against mine.

“To the Red Wolves,” he says, and we both take a sip. The cold fizziness of the cider is a welcome distraction from the knot of nerves in my stomach.

Asher and Isla are already deep in conversation about what might be something related to the game. Isla gets animated, waving her hands in the air as she makes her point. Asher just laughs and agrees, probably more interested in her than the actual topic.

“So, what did you think of the game? Really,” Knox asks, drawing my attention back to him.

I take another sip, stalling. “It was exciting. A lot more than I expected honestly. You played well.”

He raises an eyebrow. “You watched me?”

Busted. “I mean, we watched the whole game. It was hard not to notice.”

A slow smile spreads across his face. “I’m glad you’re starting to get into it.”

Before I can respond, someone bumps into me, and I nearly drop my bottle. Knox steadies me with a hand on my waist, pulling me slightly closer. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

He doesn’t let go immediately, and I can feel the warmth of his hand seeping through my shirt. This friendship, or situationship, or whatever it is, feels so messy, but also not at the same time.

“Asher,” someone calls from behind us, and we all turn to see Wilder making his way over with a massive grin on his face. “Dude, you were on fire with that last assist!”

Asher beams. “Thanks, man. Team effort.”

Wilder gives Asher a high five and then turns to Isla. “Stole your man for a second, hope you don't mind.”